Best duvets, quilts, and coverlets in the UK — diverse options from Dunelm, Anthropologie, Amazon, and more

Duvets vs quilts vs coverlets: What's the difference?

Duvets, quilts, and coverlets may all sit on top of your bed, but they differ in their overall design, purpose, and feel.

For instance, a duvet is a soft, lofty insert filled with down, feathers, wool, or synthetic fibres. It’s designed to be used inside a removable duvet cover, much like a pillow inside a pillowcase. Duvets are typically the warmest of the three, making them ideal for colder weather or those who like a cosy, cloud-like bed. They create a plush, modern look and are easy to maintain since you can simply wash the cover regularly and clean the insert only a few times a year.

Quilts are made from three layers — a top fabric, a middle layer of batting, and a backing — all stitched together in typically decorative patterns. Quilts tend to be thinner and more breathable than duvets, offering moderate warmth that makes them suitable for year-round use. They can also add a touch of craftsmanship and charm to your bedding, often featuring patchwork or artistic stitching.

However, a coverlet is often the lightest option, typically a single woven or quilted layer that drapes neatly over your bed. It’s primarily used as a decorative top layer, giving your bed a clean, polished look. Coverlets are great for warmer months or for layering over a duvet or quilt in cooler weather. They’re normally found in textured fabrics like matelassé cotton or linen.

How often should you wash your duvets, quilts, and coverlets?

Each bedding layer can have a different cleaning schedule depending on how closely it comes into contact with your skin and how it’s used.

Your duvet cover should be washed every two to four weeks, just like your sheets and pillowcases. Since it protects the duvet insert from dirt, sweat, and oils, regular washing keeps your bedding fresh without needing to clean the insert itself as often. The duvet insert, on the other hand, only needs a thorough wash every six to twelve months. If it’s filled with down or feathers, check the care label carefully — some may require delicate or professional cleaning to maintain their loft and insulation. For synthetic or down-alternative fills, a large-capacity washing machine on a gentle cycle usually works well.

Quilts benefit from a gentle wash every one to three months, depending on how often you use them. They tend to trap less body oil than sheets, but still collect dust over time. Since quilts are stitched with layers, it’s best to use a delicate cycle and mild detergent, and to air-dry when possible to preserve their texture and shape.

Coverlets are known to be the easiest to clean and can be washed every one to three months, or whenever they look visibly dusty or wrinkled. Their lightweight fabric dries quickly and holds up well to regular laundering, making them an excellent choice for anyone who prefers a low-maintenance bedspread.

Where can you dispose of your old duvets, quilts, and coverlets in the UK?

Bulky home bedspreads can be a bit difficult to dispose of, but fortunately, several retailers and organisations will take back your old home textiles for you.

For instance, Dunelm has its own recycling scheme, where the retailer takes back home textiles, clothing, shoes and accessories. The process is done in three simple steps:

• Pack a bag of used home textiles, such as your old quilts and duvets
• Drop them off at a participating Dunelm store
• Staff will then sort what can be reused or recycled

Best overall duvet

This duvet from Emma is designed to suit your needs throughout all four seasons of the year. You have the ability to remove or add a layer to the duvet by easily clipping or unclipping them together. The clip-on feature ensures that each layer stays in place, so you won't have to worry about it moving around while you sleep.

Made with 100% sustainably sourced cotton, you can easily throw it in the machine when it's due for a wash.

Materials

• Cotton
• Polyester

Care instructions

• Machine washable

Size options

• Single
• Double
• King
• Super King

Best budget-friendly quilt

Not only is this quilted bedspread highly rated on Amazon, but it also comes with two pillow cases to match. Available in six different colours (white, beige, blue, grey, pink, and red), you can refresh multiple bedrooms in your home.

It's made out of 100% polyester, so you can throw it in the washing machine worry-free.

If you've never shopped with Prime Linens before, the UK-based company can be found in Essex, where they offer curtains and other home products in addition to bedding.

Materials

• Polyester

Size options

• Single
• Double
• King
• Super King

Care instructions

• Machine washable

Best hybrid duvet

Simba's Hybrid duvet has earned the high praise of five stars from over 350,000 customers, with some saying it has hotel quality.

Designed to feel as soft as real down material, this pick will keep you warm without weighing you down. It comes with a cotton cover and is made with airflow-enhancing technology to keep you from overheating at night.

The company also offers recycling and refurbishment services via a third party if you're looking to dispose of your old duvet.

Materials

• Cotton
• Recycled PET bottles
• Simba Renew Bio™ fibres

Size options

• Single
• Double
• King
• Super King

Care instructions 

• Machine washable

​Best cooling duvet

The Smart Temperature Duvet from Fine Bedding features advanced HeiQ Cool technology that dynamically regulates temperature for all-night comfort. Instantly cool to the touch, it senses rising body heat and activates evaporative cooling by wicking away moisture before sweat forms.

Unlike other cooling technologies that store heat, HeiQ Cool continuously dissipates it, maintaining a balanced temperature without chills. When your body reaches its optimal temperature, cooling stops automatically for lasting comfort. This pick may be best for those who experience night sweats.

It’s also fully machine washable, with the cooling technology remaining effective even after repeated laundering.

Materials

• Cotton

Care instructions

• Machine washable in large capacity washing machine

Size options

• Single
• Double
• King
• Super King

Best warm duvet

This duvet option from Dunelm may be best for the cooler months in the year with a tog rating of 15. The tog on a duvet refers to the warmth grade on a duvet, with one being the lowest and 15 marked as the highest rate of heating.

Designed coverless, you can continue to switch up your style by adding a duvet cover on top and then change them out with the change of the seasons.

Materials

• Polyester

Size optionss

• Single
• Double
• King
• Super King

Care instructions

• Machine washable

Best down duvet

You can enjoy ultimate comfort with this luxury hotel-quality double duvet, filled with 50% goose down and 50% goose feather.

It's 100% cotton, down-proof, anti-dust-mite cover offers breathability and softness for year-round use. Lightweight yet warm, the duvet naturally regulates body temperature for a restful sleep.

Designed with double-stitched edges and box construction, the filling stays evenly distributed without shifting. It's also made with hypoallergenic materials and an advanced odour-removal treatment, making it a great option for allergy sufferers.

Materials 

• Cotton
• Goose feather
• Down

Size options

• Double
• King
• Super King

Care instructions 

• Machine washable

Best reversible quilt

Get the best of both worlds by wrapping yourself up in a reversible quilt that features an organic cotton velvet front and natural, undyed linen reverse. Filled with organic cotton wadding and finished with hand-stitched quilting by skilled artisans in India, it combines comfort with craftsmanship.

Since the chosen fabric is a bit more delicate than other selections, water or liquid stains may damage the pile, so shake off moisture and let it dry naturally.

If you're not familiar with the brand Toast, it's been focusing on sustainable, durable homewear for over 25 years right here in the UK.

Materials

• Organic cotton
• Linen

Size options

• One size (220 x 140cm)

Care instructions

• Dry clean only
• Steam inside out

Best patchwork coverlet

Crafted from 100% polyester microfiber fabric and filling, this is a lightweight and breathable option that can be styled on its own or used to layer during the cooler months.

Designed for easy care, the fabric resists knots and retains its shape after washing.

With so many different colourways available, you could style multiple bedrooms in their own tailored themes.

Each coverlet also comes with pillow shams, so you can style your pillows in the same print.

Materials 

• Polyester

Size options

• Single
• Double
• King
• Super King

Care instructions

• Machine washable

Best colour print quilt

You can upgrade the look of your bedroom with the Iluka bedding collection from Anthropologie. This reversible quilt offers two unique designs that you can easily flip over when you want to change the look of your room.

Crafted from 100% cotton, it’s soft, breathable, and easy to care for. All you need to do is throw it in the washing machine.

Materials

• Cotton

Size options

• Double
• King
• Super King

Care instructions

• Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Best oversized quilt coverlet

Add style and comfort to your bedroom with this oversized coverlet set, featuring decorative embossed stitching for a subtle, elegant finish. Made from polyester microfiber, it offers a cosy, breathable layer suitable for all seasons.

Durable and easy to care for, the coverlet is machine washable, making it perfect for everyday use. Its versatile design complements a wide range of bedroom decor, adding both texture and warmth.

Materials

• Polyester

Size options

• 170cm x 210cm
• 220cm x 240m

Care instructions

• Machine washable